Fagradalsfjall Volcano: Day Trips and Tours from Reykjavík

A volcanic event occurs in Iceland every four years and the most recent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula opened a crater in Geldingadalir.

Take the rare opportunity to discover the dramatic lava landscapes on a day trip to Fagradalsfjall volcano from Reykjavik. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast and hike the Geldingadalir valley toward the eruption sites and hot springs.

You can also hop on a helicopter to get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful volcano and other surrounding natural attractions. Fagradalsfjall volcano is a prime destination for day tours from Reykjavík.

How to get to Fagradalsfjall from Reykjavik?

Fagradalsfjall is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula southwest of Reykjavik.

From Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall by car

You can drive from Reykjavik bus terminal for about an hour via Route 42.

From Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall by helicopter

An easy and convenient way to see the Fagradalsfjall volcano from Reykjavik is by a helicopter ride that takes about 15 minutes. You can ask your pilot to stop close to the site so you get to explore a bit on foot.

Guided tours to Fagradalsfjall from Reykjavik

Travel with ease by joining a guided tour. Pickups for the trips to Fagradalsfjall are available from most hotels in central Reykjavik. Tours provide experienced guides and air-conditioned vehicles to transport you to the volcano site.

What is the typical itinerary?

You will be picked up by your experienced guide at your Reykjavik hotel and driven to the Fagradalsfjall volcano site in an air-conditioned vehicle. From the vehicle window, you will see spectacular coastal formations, lava fields, lakes and fishing villages.

When you arrive at the parking area, you will get fitted out with the essential equipment for the hike to the volcano sites, Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir. The duration of the hiking excursion is about 1.5 to 2 hours each way.

Apart from the hike to the eruption sites, you can also relax in the Blue Lagoon, the geothermal spa located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. On your return to Reykjavik, you will be dropped off at your hotel after a highly rewarding day on the Peninsula.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Fagradalsfjall?

Guided tours to Fagradalsfjall from Reykjavik

You can choose from a few guided tours to Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir, which are conducted in the morning or evening. You will witness dynamic volcanoes, lava landscapes and other geological wonders and experience the excitement of hiking past flaming lava.

On the Reykjanes Peninsula, you will also enjoy fine scenes of Kleifarvatn Lake and walk through the bubbling mud of Gunnuhver Hot Springs. Admire the Valhnúkamöl Boulder Ridge cliffs and sea stacks, and the impressive Reykjanes lighthouse.

See the Bridge Between Continents, a walkway from the Eurasian to the American tectonic plate, and finally, visit the Krysuvik Seltún Hot Springs and Geothermal area.

Guided hiking tour with a geologist or volcanologist

One of your options is to hike up Fagradalsfjall in the company of a geologist or volcanologist guide who will teach you all about the volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The meeting point for the tour is bus stop number 8 at Hallgrimskirkja, and you will be driven through old lava fields on your way to the volcano. Your hike will take you to the crater viewpoint for spectacular views of the volcanic landscapes.

It runs through rough terrain and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours in each direction. On your return to Reykjavik, you will travel through a landscape of hot springs and lakes in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, hiking equipment, headlamps, parking fees, food and drinks.

Private tour to Fagradalsfjall volcano from Reykjavik

Book a private tour to if you want peace of mind and enjoy the tour safely. You will be accompanied by a guide who will hike with you and provide information about the volcano and geographical area.

You will have a scenic drive in an air-conditioned vehicle along the coast towards the Geldingadalir Valley. Your guide will lead you on a 45-minute hike to the Fagradalsfjall mountain, from where you will enjoy a stunning view of the volcanic crater.

As a dynamic eruption site, it is ever-changing, and along the way you can see rivers of lava pools. Only your group will participate in this tour.

Helicopter flight to Fagradalsfjall

A most special way of experiencing the Fagradalsfjall volcano is by helicopter when you will be flown around Reykjanes Peninsula for the best views of the volcano’s surroundings.

At Reykjavik’s domestic airport, you will be introduced to your pilot and be briefed on the details of the trip. There will be only five to six seats per craft available. You can be assured of the best views of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including Faxafloi Bay. The total flight duration is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How much does it cost?

Tours from Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall volcano vary between US$80 to US$500 depending on several factors. Helicopter tours, private tours or tours led by a specialist guide like a geologist are the most expensive.

Guided tours from Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall cost around US$80 per person for the afternoon tour to Meradalir and the volcano hike in the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Advanced Meradalir volcano tours cost US$95 per person, while Reykjanes geothermal tours cost US$100 per person. Meradalir and Blue Lagoon day trips from Reykjavik cost around US$185 per person.

Guided hiking tours to Fagradalsfjall volcano with a geologist guide costs US$160 per person. The price for the Fagradalsfjall volcano helicopter flight is around US$500 per person.

Fagradalsfjall private day tours cost around US$1,100 per group of up to 15 persons.

What will you see and do?

During the day trip from Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall, you will find several natural wonders to explore on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir volcanoes

You can experience the sights and sounds of the Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir volcanoes which started being active again in 2021 and 2022. Led by your experienced tour guide, you will hike up to the volcanic sites to see firsthand the spectacular rivers of lava.

The Blue Lagoon

You will visit the most famous spa in Iceland when you go and soak in the Blue Lagoon. Its geothermal blue waters have amazing healing properties, and you can fully enjoy the saunas and steam rooms at the site. You will feel fully “recharged” by the time you leave again for Reykjavik.

Lake Kleifarvatn and Gunnuhver Hot Springs

You can explore the hot springs and black basalt beach of Lake Kleifarvatn, and walk through the boiling mud pools of Gunnuhver Hot Springs. New passages are continuously opening with the movement of tectonic plates to release hot groundwater and gases.

Bridge Between Continents

The Reykjanes Peninsula lies on the Mid-Atlantic ridge on one of the earth’s major plate boundaries. Visit the Bridge Between Continents at Sandvík over the main fissure providing evidence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge symbolizes the connection between Europe and North America.

Valhnúkamöl Boulder Ridge

This impressive ridge is about 420 meters long and 10 meters high, and consists of well-rounded stones that have been created by powerful storms and waves over the centuries.

At the same time, admire the Reykjanes lighthouse, the first in Iceland and was built in 1878 on the tip of the peninsula. Over the years, it had been severely damaged, and a new lighthouse was constructed in 1907-1908 on Bæjarfell Hill.

When is the best time to visit Fagradalsfjall?

You will be able to see the volcano during the day from April through September. From January to March and in October, you will see the volcano in the dark.

Travel tips

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and proper hiking shoes.
• Bring a daypack, with food and drinks.
• Wear layers, as it can be windy at the volcano.
• The hike to Fagradalsfjall is not suitable for novice hikers.